What's two years of my life?" Ms. Veiga said. "I'm going to live until 101, so two years is nothing." Ms. Veiga isn't naïve about the conditions in Lesotho, a mountainous area where bicycles and vehicles are prohibited. She was only allowed to bring 80 to 100 pounds of luggage that had to be compacted into a large hiking bag, an army duffle bag, and a backpack — all of which she had to lug up the mountain when she arrived. "I'm pretty sure there won't be bell boys," she said wryly, shortly before her trip. She said she is counting on her iPod to keep her entertained and accepts that she won't be venturing far from the village. She explained there are many parts of Lesotho that don't have electricity and running water. Peace Corps chooses the best site for each volunteer, and she will not know the conditions of her post until she arrives. It's very likely there won't be any electricity. Plus, she will have to take bucket baths, usually with unheated water, and will only be allowed to wear skirts. Ms. Veiga said she is going into the experience with her eyes wide open. "It's either in you, or it's not," she said.
Tarsha Veiga is is a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Kingdom of Lesotho
Freetown teacher takes her talents to Third World
By NICOLE PITTS
Standard-Times correspondent
November 25, 2007 6:00 AM
FREETOWN — Tarsha Veiga has an ambitious goal: she wants to help save the world.
Ms. Veiga, a 25-year-old from Freetown, received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Bridgewater State College, and is now a certified teacher with a dream to teach internationally.
After researching opportunities, she noticed that the Peace Corps program fit with her desires, and she knew it was the opportunity for her.
Now, Ms. Veiga is assigned to the kingdom of Lesotho, in South Africa; she arrived there earlier this month. In South Africa, she is serving as a teacher-trainer, with the task of teaching teachers how to teach.
"In our steadfast American capitalistic society, getting involved in humanity and giving back to society can benefit your own soul ten-fold," said Ms. Veiga.
Ms. Veiga departed Nov. 5 for Washington D.C. where she trained for two days with 24 of her co-volunteers. From there, they went to Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. For three months, they are undergoing job training and cultural language training, and will then be sent off into their own village where they will stay for two years.
They will be forced to immerse into the culture given that no two volunteers will be in the same village.
"What's two years of my life?" Ms. Veiga said. "I'm going to live until 101, so two years is nothing."
Ms. Veiga isn't naïve about the conditions in Lesotho, a mountainous area where bicycles and vehicles are prohibited. She was only allowed to bring 80 to 100 pounds of luggage that had to be compacted into a large hiking bag, an army duffle bag, and a backpack — all of which she had to lug up the mountain when she arrived.
"I'm pretty sure there won't be bell boys," she said wryly, shortly before her trip. She said she is counting on her iPod to keep her entertained and accepts that she won't be venturing far from the village.
She explained there are many parts of Lesotho that don't have electricity and running water. Peace Corps chooses the best site for each volunteer, and she will not know the conditions of her post until she arrives.
It's very likely there won't be any electricity. Plus, she will have to take bucket baths, usually with unheated water, and will only be allowed to wear skirts.
Ms. Veiga said she is going into the experience with her eyes wide open.
"It's either in you, or it's not," she said.
As far as compensation is concerned, Ms. Veiga receives a small stipend — 150 loti, Lesotho currency, per month — which equates to $25 for living expenses such as communication to home, housing, and food. Her student loans will be deferred by the Peace Corps for three years, and she will receive a small stipend when she returns home to reconnect with American society, which she thinks will be more difficult than immersing into African society.
During her stay in South Africa, Ms. Veiga said she is seeking to learn more about herself and the world at large, hoping that when she returns she will be more appreciative of the comforts, luxuries, and structure of the United States.
Ms. Veiga, the daughter of Penny Perry of Freetown and John Veiga of Fairhaven, has five siblings. While she is well aware of how much she'll miss her family and friends, Ms. Veiga hopes all the new things she'll encounter will help fill the void.
But she does have one wish with regard to the folks back home.
"I hope that they write me all of the time," she said.
